Just been knocked off my bike... What do I need to buy for best protection?

Vegeta

Vegeta

Vegeta

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So I've just been knocked off my bike and it's knocked some sense into me. I have been riding without a helmet for as long as I can remember and I don't want to take that chance again. I've always thought whatever incidents might happen we're in my control if i'm extra safe nothing can happen well after today I would have never expected a driver to be such an idiot and swipe me out the way he has so clearly I need to stop making assumptions and protect myself.

Currently my bike has a red flashing LED for the back, a powerful LED at the front which I either keep on blinking or full power when in the dark. Clothing wise I wear leggings, running shoes and a windbreaker. My new shopping list will consist of:

1, Helmet
2, High-vis vest/jacket (although the driver did see me just pulled a crazy maneuver)

3, ...What else would everyone recommend to best protect myself?
 
Anything that's remotely practical to wear isn't going to offer much protection. Nevertheless... Get a helmet, gloves, some hi vis/reflective gear. That's about it.

Have you reported the driver who hit you to the police?
 
Have a read of this: http://www.trafficaccidentadvice.co.uk/what-to-do-if-youre-involved-in-a-road-accident.html

Get a helmet and make sure your lights are good. High-viz is of questionable use but if it makes you feel safer then go for it.

The only other thing you can do is to get a helmet cam and start recording your rides - that way you can at least prove that the other person was at fault when they pull a ridiculous manoeuvre and endanger you.
 
Get some of the reflective snap bands for your wrists and ankles. They won't protect you but they do make you more visible.

I wear Decathlon helmets, they're great value. If you have one near you I suggest going for a look around and try some on. A helmet that fits you properly is very important.
 
FrenchTart said:
Have a read of this: http://www.trafficaccidentadvice.co.uk/what-to-do-if-youre-involved-in-a-road-accident.html
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Thanks for the link. Ok so Helmet and some reflective clothing and I may invest in a Gopro also. Luckily for me I had a witness that saw the incident that collaborates with my story - the driver tried to come with some sort of excuse but really he has no argument it could not have possibly been my fault once he realised I wasn't dead or seriously injured his sympathy wavered the guy needs to learn to drive again.

EDIT: Police were at the scene with an ambulance they took all the required details I have a crime number to which I will be making a claim.
 
Vegeta said:
Thanks for the link. Ok so Helmet and some reflective clothing and I may invest in a Gopro also. Luckily for me I had a witness that saw the incident that collaborates with my story - the driver tried to come with some sort of excuse but really he has no argument it could not have possibly been my fault once he realised I wasn't dead or seriously injured his sympathy wavered the guy needs to learn to drive again.

EDIT: Police were at the scene with an ambulance they took all the required details I have a crime number to which I will be making a claim.
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Good stuff. It sounds like you've got the best possible outcome given the circumstances.
 
Nothing you can buy will make any difference to the driver of a car/vehicle who is not paying attention / obeying the rules of the road.

Buy it for your own peace of mind and then take up as much room on the road as you need to feel safe.

I have been knocked of my cycle 3 times due to people not paying attention. Each times I had lights on during the day and wore my neon yellow cycle jacket.
 
zophiel said:
Nothing you can buy will make any difference to the driver of a car/vehicle who is not paying attention / obeying the rules of the road.

Buy it for your own peace of mind and then take up as much room on the road as you need to feel safe.

I have been knocked of my cycle 3 times due to people not paying attention. Each times I had lights on during the day and wore my neon yellow cycle jacket.
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If you had been paying attention too then maybe you wouldnt have been knocked off of your bike! lol
 
zophiel said:
Buy it for your own peace of mind and then take up as much room on the road as you need to feel safe.
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That's what the Policeman said pretty much to take up more room on the road so drivers can't pull daft maneuvers. I always try to ride my bike right on the edge of the road on the lines to allow drivers to pass as I don't want to be a nuisance and it cost me this time.
 
Vegeta said:
That's what the Policeman said pretty much to take up more room on the road so drivers can't pull daft maneuvers. I always try to ride my bike right on the edge of the road on the lines to allow drivers to pass as I don't want to be a nuisance and it cost me this time.
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http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/in...izn20130830-Effective-traffic-riding-part-1-0

Definitely read that and other pages on that site. I know how it feels when you're starting out and want to avoid the wrath of other road users, but it's a lot safer for everyone when you're confident in your road use. If you behave clearly and predictably on the road it's a lot more likely that other road users will be able to understand what you're doing and why - so, take the lane when it's unsafe for someone to pass you, or when there are other hazards you should avoid - junctions coming up, parked cars that could open their doors on you. And let people pass when you decide it is safe for them to do so, not because you're afraid of them.

I will say that i don't agree with the sentiment that safety gear is mainly for your own peace of mind, however. Decent lights and decent hi vis clothing will drastically increase your visibility at night, and a well fitting, well made helmet can quite often be the difference between life and death.
 
I don't think anyone said that all safety gear is for your own peace of mind. High viz gear is the only thing I questioned the value of - at night high viz does nothing. Reflective clothing/accessories will make a difference however. That said, you can achieve a similar effect with decent lights (and high viz should not be a substitute for decent lights so...).
 
FrenchTart said:
High viz gear is the only thing I questioned the value of - at night high viz does nothing. Reflective clothing/accessories will make a difference however.
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I think these statements contradict each other. High viz clothing is a lot more reflective than normal clothing, and will provide a much greater contrast between yourself and the darker surroundings when riding at night.
 
PermaBanned said:
I think these statements contradict each other. High viz clothing is a lot more reflective than normal clothing, and will provide a much greater contrast between yourself and the darker surroundings when riding at night.
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They don't contradict one another. High viz is an imprecise term and the main image it brings to mind is fluorescent/bright clothing. A lot (not all) high viz clothing will also have reflective markings on it but plenty of things that aren't high viz clothing also have those. Of the two things, reflectivity is the most important and hence the emphasis on that and not on wearing a bright yellow tshirt.

edit:

Until a light shines on you at night your bright yellow tshirt will look exactly the same as a dark black jumper. Dark black. Anything reflective will stand out.
 
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